Disney fans all over the world are chomping at the bit to watch the brand new live-action remake of The Lion King. The film, which is a remake of the 1994 animated Disney movie, is set to be released Friday 19th July, and stars Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala.
Whilst excitement levels are certainly rising as the release date draws nearer - especially as the reviews have now started to come out, confirming it's an incredible watch - there's still over a week to wait!
However, to try and keep fans satisfied in the meantime, Disney have announced that they're bringing out an album called 'The Lion King: The Gift', which will be made up of songs by artists who have been inspired by the film.
Curated by none other than Beyoncé herself, who also contributed 'Spirit' to the record - which is also on the soundtrack for the film - Disney took to Instagram to announce the album.
Sharing a photo of Beyoncé with her CGI self Nala, the post read, 'Just Announced: "The Lion King: The Gift," a new album of songs featuring global recording artists and steeped in the sounds of Africa, produced and curated by @Beyonce Knowles-Carter, will be released July 19. "Spirit," the single from the album and from the soundtrack for The Lion King, will be available later tonight.'
Beyoncé released a statement about the upcoming album, saying, "This is sonic cinema. This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn't one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro Beat."
"I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline. Each song was written to reflect the film's storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation.
"It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me."
The Lion King live-action remake: See the cast alongside their animated counterparts:
HEAT Lion King cast pics stacked
1 of 8Swipe through to see the cast of The Lion King with their animated counterparts...
2 of 8Donald Glover as Simba
3 of 8Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
4 of 8Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar
5 of 8Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and John Oliver as Zazu
6 of 8Alfre Woodard as Sarabi
7 of 8Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi and Eric Andre as Azizi
8 of 8JD McCrary as young Simba and Shahadi Wright Joseph as young Nala
The album's release date will coincide with the day the film is released - 19th July.
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